Baxter Health provides IV solutions and supplies that are used in patient care. The intravenous route is the fastest way to deliver medications and fluid replacement throughout the body, because the circulation carries them. Intravenous therapy may be used for fluid replacement (such as correcting dehydration), to correct electrolyte imbalances, to deliver medications, and for blood transfusions.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for medical supplies or medical services necessary for the delivery of care and treatment at medical, dental, or veterinary teaching facilities utilized by SIU or U of I (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b-5)) The supplies provided by Baxter Health have to do with direct patient care. Without access to these supplies, the Hospital would not be able to offer any type of patient care or services that in turn would drive patients elsewhere and result in a loss of revenue to the Hospital.